Well, it’s done! We’re booking another month in Japan! I had Google flights bookmarked and about a dozen tabs open with different hotel accommodations. For the time being, we plan to stay in our two favorite places, Tokyo and Kyoto, with some side quests, I mean, day-tours on the itinerary in Mount Fuji and some smaller towns.

After traveling through Japan last year—some stays longer, some stays sweeter—I realized what made the difference wasn't always the price tag. It was the feel. The hidden balcony, the quiet gym, the way the light fell into the lobby. And, as we were contemplating the lodging and locations for this spring’s trip to the land of the rising sun, I thought I’d share my little list of hotel ideas as well as, what I call, my Prose & Cons breakdown (that I originally wrote for my boyfriend to decide where we most feel called to go.)

Whether you’re planning your very first trip to Japan or you're ready to level up your second, here is my list of candid reviews, real price points, and exactly what I would want to know before booking.

After staying in some of the most beautiful hotels in the world, I’ve developed my own signature process for choosing where to stay—one based on value for the price, pros and cons, and an intuitive sense of whether to save a hotel for later or simply close the tab. Whether you're planning your first trip to Japan or you're a return traveler ready to upgrade your experience, here’s my full Prose & Cons breakdown for Kyoto (our favorite place on Earth) and Tokyo, and their upscale five-star counterparts.

TOKYO

The Kitano Hotel Tokyo ($500–$600)

Pros: Stunning rooms. Great value. Central to Shinjuku, temples, Azabudai.
Cons: Near Imperial Palace—financial district energy, not much sightseeing. Views aren’t standout.
Review: A hidden gem for those wanting to be slightly out of the chaos.

The Prince Park Tower Tokyo ($350–$650)

Pros: Great price for what you get. Spacious rooms. Location between Ginza and Roppongi. Gym, pool, insane Tokyo Tower views.
Cons: Entry rooms are a tad eclectic in style.
Review: One of the best “bang-for-buck” Tokyo stays for first-timers.

Mitsui Garden Hotel Jingugaien Tokyo Premier ($350–$400)

Pros: Nature views. Spacious-ish rooms. Gym and pool. Very close (but not too close) to Shinjuku.
Cons: None, honestly.
Review: Balanced, stylish, and refreshing.

The Strings by InterContinental Tokyo ($500–$600)

Pros: Insane views. Spacious rooms. Intercontinental quality. Gym.
Cons: Financial district vibe—more business than buzz.
Review: Luxe, efficient, slightly quiet energy.

Hotel Groove Shinjuku, A Parkroyal Hotel ($450–$800)

Pros: Stayed here twice. Great value. Right in the heart of Shinjuku’s Kabukicho Square. Lots to do.
Cons: Rooms are a little smaller. Shinjuku can get loud.
Review: Easy intro hotel for Japan newbies who want to jump straight into the action.

Upscale Hotels Tokyo

JANU Tokyo ($2,000+)

Pros: Insane amenities. Right in Azabudai. Could film 10/10 content every second.
Cons: Leaves a serious dent on the Duke’s card.
Review: The experience alone is worth it if you’re a hotel buff. Over-the-top and absolutely unforgettable.

Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills (by Hyatt) ($1,000–$3,000)

Pros: Gorgeous modern design. Gym and spa top-notch. Azabudai access.
Cons: Can’t think of a single one.
Review: A hidden modern masterpiece.

The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon ($1,000–$15,000 (Penthouse)

Pros: Pool, gym, spa, Tokyo Tower views, natural aesthetic, Michelin Key.
Cons: Plays it a little safe in design personality.
Review: Elegant, but sometimes I crave just a little more edge.

Conrad Tokyo ($600–$3,000)

Pros: Full spa, gym, pool. Extraordinary views. Spacious rooms. Upscale Roppongi-Toranomon area.
Cons: Driving distance to most sightseeing.
Review: One of my favorite under-the-radar 5-star gems.

Palace Hotel Tokyo ($1,200–$8,000)

Pros: Evian Spa, spacious rooms, gorgeous chapel, stunning Imperial Palace views.
Cons: Entry rooms feel slightly dated. Quiet area.
Review: You’ll either call it timeless—or wish it had a fresher upgrade.

Grand Hyatt Tokyo ($800–$1,900)

Pros: Glorious mid-century modern feel. Great amenities. Prime Roppongi location.
Cons: Smaller windows. Some parts feel dated.
Review: Stylish, cozy, still a Tokyo classic.

Ascott Marunouchi Tokyo ($730–$1,500)

Pros: Spacious rooms. Gorgeous clean aesthetic. Pool, gym, full 5-star amenities.
Cons: Quiet area. Slightly “safe” design.
Review: If you want peace, space, and understated luxury, it’s a win.

Bellustar Tokyo, A Pan Pacific Hotel ($1,200–$4,000)

Pros: Exquisite room upgrades. Best hotel gym we’ve ever tried. Quiet 70th-floor lounge respite from Shinjuku.
Cons: No pool. Very quiet, split with Hotel Groove.
Review: A surprising peaceful escape for Shinjuku lovers.

Aman Tokyo ($3,000–$7,500)

Pros: Impeccable skyline views, surrounded by foliage for a natural feel, exquisite Aman products, largest spa in Tokyo, 30-meter high-rise pool, and a yoga + pilates room.
Cons: Tends to be taken a little too seriously, with neutral minimal finishings that feel heavily curated, and located in a quieter area.
Review: Aman Tokyo is a masterpiece of quiet luxury, but behind its effortless appearance, you can feel the intense precision—and depending on your mood, it’s either deeply serene or just a little too polished.

KYOTO

The Thousand Kyoto ($500–$600)

Pros: Beautiful hotel, Gym/Fitness Center.
Cons: Not exactly budget-friendly. Located right near Kyoto Station, which doesn’t offer much in terms of scenic charm or local vibe.
Note: Great for quick stays, convenience-focused travelers.

NOHGA HOTEL KIYOMIZU KYOTO ($200–$350)

Pros: 10/10 Value for price. Stunning rooms. Great views. Gym. Close to our favorite Kyoto areas. Entertainment at hotel.
Cons: Honestly, nothing.
Review: If I could stamp a giant “GO” on this one, I would. Chic, clean, affordable—what more could you want?

Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Premier ($400–$450)

Pros: Fitness center. Near museums and Nishiki Market.
Cons: Not near the Kamo River.
Review: Solid mid-luxury choice. If you want to explore Kyoto’s markets and museums, it’s a strategic home base.

Hotel Kanra Kyoto ($400–$500)

Pros: Great rooms. Budget-friendly.
Cons: Quieter neighborhood, have to travel for attractions. No amenities.
Review: A minimalist, no-fuss choice if you care more about quality sleep than staying in the thick of Kyoto’s busiest streets.

Cross Hotel Kyoto ($500–$600)

Pros: Our favorite area. Gorgeous design.
Cons: No major amenities (no pool, no big spa).
Review: If you want location and vibe, this is a strong pick. Right where you want to be.

Hotel Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei ($350–$450)

Pros: Great value. Beautiful views. Traditional Kyoto feel. Gym included.
Cons: More on the temple side of Kyoto, across the river (you’ll need to drive, not walk).
Review: I love this hotel for temple-hopping days. It feels ancient and elegant, like stepping into Kyoto’s quieter poetry.

MUNI Kyoto ($800–$1,000)

Pros: Dream hotel. Absolutely memorable with stunning river views in Arashiyama. Balcony, spacious rooms—the works.
Cons: Pricey, but unforgettable.
Review: If you're going to splurge anywhere, do it here. A hotel that makes you feel Kyoto in every detail. Book a balcony room if you can.

Upscale Hotels Kyoto

MOGANA ($600–$800)

Pros: Spacious rooms for the price. Minimalist, deluxe design. Steps from Nijo Castle. ‘Mogana Black’ is absolutely iconic.
Cons: Smaller street. ‘Mogana White’ is little sterile to me.
Review: If you want a modern, almost gallery-like stay, this is it. Quiet, curated, and clean.

Suiran, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto ($2,000–$5,000)

Pros: Traditional Japanese feel. Minutes from Bamboo Forest and Togetsukyo Bridge. Private in-room onsens. Exquisite riverfront property.
Cons: No real criticisms—it’s bespoke in every sense. Might feel a bit intimidating for first-timers.
Review: Bespoke, serene, absolutely unforgettable.

Dusit Thani Kyoto ($1,000–$1,200)

Pros: Beautiful, timeless, and amenity-packed. Stayed here almost a week when it first opened—it was a "budget" luxury stay then!
Cons: Located in a very quiet street—not close to touristy Kyoto. Best for rest and recharge.
Review: Perfect if you want a luxurious “reset” week between sightseeing days.

Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto ($3,000–$11,000)

Pros: The epitome of 5-star excellence. Secluded despite being in Kyoto’s heart. Gorgeous man-made river garden.
Cons: Entry-level rooms are almost the same price as suites without huge upgrades.
Review: If you want the Kyoto fairytale dream, this is it. Just note that a $1,000+ upgrade doesn’t dramatically change the experience.

Park Hyatt Kyoto ($2,300–$4,000)

Pros: I am beyond words. This property is Kyoto. Overlooks Gion, steps from the Kamo. Timeless design.
Cons: Missing a pool—surprising for a hotel of this level.
Review: I would design my dream home after this hotel. If only it had a pool, it would be perfect.

Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto ($1,300–$4,500)

Pros: Kyoto-style luxury perfected. Private onsens in-room. Impeccable architectural design, neutral palette, shoji and tatami details.
Cons: Tucked into the quieter, nature-immersed side of Kyoto—beautiful, but not for nightlife seekers.
Review: A retreat more than a hotel. Sacred, peaceful, and beautifully done.

EDITOR'S CHOICE: The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu ($1,000–$4,000)

Pros: Overlooks Gion, tucked into Kyoto’s lush foliage. Masterful palette blending interior and exterior. Absolute perfection.
Cons: Missing a large pool; spa is gorgeous but limited to a few people.
Review: My ultimate pick for a Kyoto luxury stay. Flawless, sacred, unforgettable.

Six Senses Kyoto ($2,000–$5,000)

Pros: Finally, a pool—and an exquisite one. Natural luxury feel. Fitness, spa, tea workshops, top amenities.
Cons: The royal red accents feel a tad forced rather than effortless.
Review: Resort-level paradise in Kyoto. Everything else is beyond beautiful.

Aman Kyoto ($5,000–$25,000)

Pros: It’s a class-A desired hotel with impeccable design, rooms, gardens, and service.
Cons: Stunning but a little overrated; lots of walking, no gym or pool (but relaxation/yoga spaces and onsen).
Review: I used to dream of staying at Aman Kyoto, but now that it's a reachable reality, I find myself looking beyond the allure and wondering if I would choose it over other upscale Kyoto hotels.

Alright, travelers — this is exactly the list I would share with a friend planning her dream trip to Japan. Real numbers, real reviews, and the real vibes you can expect the moment you land. Whether you’re mapping out your first adventure across Japan’s Golden Triangle (which includes Osaka—but we won’t be visiting this time) or returning for a deeper, slower experience, I hope this Prose & Cons list brings you a little closer to your perfect stay.

Save your favorites. Bookmark your dreams. And maybe, just maybe, splurge on that riverside balcony.

Last spring, somewhere between Kyoto’s early mornings, Tokyo’s midnight streets, and Osaka’s food scene, I ended up writing an entire book about our travels. It’s now published and available on Amazon— a love letter to the places that stayed with me long after we landed home.

Until the next journey—stay golden.

Which hotel has your name written on it?

Whether it’s a riverside suite in Kyoto or a glassy view of Tokyo Tower, I’d love to know: Where are you dreaming of checking in? Drop your dream pick in the comments—and let’s plan like the flight is already booked.

xx,
Sarah Elle, Editor-in-Chief

P.S. If you want the link to the book, say the word—I’ll drop it below.

Prose & Cons: The Ultimate Kyoto and Tokyo Hotel Guide